Twelve years since Andy Green OBE and Thrust SSC scythed through the sound barrier on their way to the current World Land Speed Record of 763.053 mph, Green and former record-holder, Richard Noble OBE, are preparing to write the latest chapter in the history of World Land Speed Record attempts, with a 1,000mph bid.
As much an engineering adventure as the ultimate speed record challenge, the four-year Bloodhound Project, sponsored by premier fuel additive brand STP, is designed to re-ignite interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics amongst the youth, and raise the numbers entering technology careers.
Founder sponsor of the Bloodhound Project, STP is famed as the world's premier engine fuel additive brand, and is no stranger to the land speed record arena, having sponsored US barnstormer, Athol Graham, back in 1959, and backed fellow countryman Art Arfons to successive World Land Speed Records in the early '60's at the famous Bonneville Salt Flats, USA.
An exotic combination of jet, rocket and piston-engined power is employed in the 12.8m, 6,400kg Bloodhound supersonic car (SSC) in the quest for the ultimate goal. With former Land Speed Record Holder and team boss from 12 years ago Richard Noble OBE again fronting the team, and Andy Green OBE once more in the driving seat, the team has all the credentials to tackle arguably the greatest motor-sporting challenge on earth.
The car will accelerate from 0 - 1,050mph in 40 seconds and at V-max (maximum velocity), the pressure of air bearing down on its carbon fibre bodywork will exceed twelve tonnes per square metre.
At this speed, Andy Green will be covering a distance equivalent to over four football pitches, or 500m, in the blink of an eye.
The prime objective of The BLOODHOUND Project is to create an unprecedented education and engagement programme, led by a dedicated team of teachers and education specialists. From innovative, curriculum-based lesson plans covering subjects ranging from geography to citizenship, as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics, to a schools visitor centre featuring the 'classroom of the future' at the team's HQ in Filton, Bristol, the aim is to make BLOODHOUND SSC accessible to all ages from 5 - 19 and beyond.
The project, based in Filton, Bristol, will provide the most exciting, compelling and enthralling arena in which to showcase frontier technologies, and for STP, to educate consumers and future users on wider issues of engine efficiency.
Starting with an 800mph bid in 2009, the car will be continuously developed, with a 900mph run in 2010 and the ultimate goal of 1,000mph will be aimed for in 2011. The venue for the record runs is to be confirmed, but Black Rock Desert, Nevada, the scene of Green's record with Thrust SSC, is one of the considered venues.??Significantly, to fulfil the aim of generating interest and enthusiasm in technology, the unique project has complete public accessibility, unlike other major motorsport arenas. Bloodhound SSC will be developed in the full public gaze at the team HQ in Filton, where visitors will have access to see the car taking shape. Comprehensive and constantly updated websites, from both the Bloodhound Project and STP, will also act as a rich resource for full information as the project unfolds.
On-going information on the Bloodhound SSC project is available from www.bloodhoundssc.com and www.stp.eu.